Your Questions

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I recently discovered your wonderful Sharpe novels thanks to catching the television show on BBC America. I have really enjoyed the series, and have just finished my first, but certainly not last, Sharpe novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sharpe's Sword and cannot wait to get my hands on all the other Sharpe books. However, I was wondering does it matter in what order I read the books? I have a list of the historical order of the books, which I understand are not their written order, but do you recommend reading them in historical order or just in whatever order I would like? Thanks so much, and I really appreciate all the wonderful adventures. Sincerely, Robin

I have read all the Sharpe books (old edition) and a close follower of your books. I have read all Arthur books and the Grail Quest as well. I have enjoyed the Saxon books the most of all. Which leads me to my question, why do you have two different covers for the UK & US? and are the UK & US books written the same? David O. Norwood

Hi! How are you doing? I love the Sharpe's series because not only each story is action packed but also the books contain a lot of historical information. But I did notice a lot of discrepancies between the older books and the newer ones which is understandable. For example the older books mention Sharpe as being Lawford's Sergeant when they spent time in the Tippoos dungeons but in "Tiger" he was still a private at the time. That was just one example and I was wondering if there was away to correct them as like a special collectors edition. I know that is hareder than it sounds but it would make the series a little less confusing. Anyway it's a great series too bad you never sent him to Canada for the War of 1812. Sharpe in Canada would have kicked some major tail. Marty Snale

Hi Mr. Cornwell. Like many others, I'm a huge fan of your writing style and your ability to combine history with adventure. I've always had a special interest in the Revolutionary War era, so "Redcoat" is especially fascinating to me. Any plans to write more about that era? Neil

I first got into Sharpe since I saw them for 2.98 in tescos so decided to try them out, that was about a month ago since then I have bought them all and loved all of them. I am wondering if since "Sharpe's Challenge" there are any plans for any more tv adaptations or Film adaptations? Thanks for the hours of suspence and thrills. Dominic

Louis Lamour wrote a very entertaining historical novel entitled 'The Walking Drum". He planned on writing a sequel, but died before doing so. I would stand in a long, long line to buy your version of how this story ends.
Bill Bowling

Could you please explain to me how the publishing industry works? Earlier on in the year you posted that Lords of the North would be released in Canada in September, this has since been changed to January 2007. Meanwhile the book is already out in England. The same thing happened before with Heretic, except it was actually released in Canada in large print format, and the regular version came out several months later on the actual posted release date. I don't mean to sound rude. I'm just completely baffled by the publishing process. Thanks for your time. Matthew Moses

I think it's super that a busy writer like yourself takes so much time to answer fans mail. Your books are fantastic. I own the Arthur books, as well as 18 of the 21 Sharpe Books. And my husband(who is not a reader) and I are anxiously awaiting receipt of the Sharpe DVD series. (even though we've watched them on TV). One question for Harper Collins. Why did they change the cover & size of the pocket books? The new ones stick out like a sore thumb, when you have them lined up on the book shelf. In my opinion the old covers looked nicer. Thanks so much for your wonderful books and for your time in answering questions. Gail

Did you have any input into the casting of the Sharpe series? I think Sean Bean plays Sharpe superbly and Pete Postlethwaite, one of the best. Keep up the excellent work. Chris

Dear Bernard, Having read your biog before, I was curious as to whether you ever miss England, living in America. I'm an Irishman myself, born and bred, but I love England, its people, its history, its countryside. If I were an Englishman, I would probably miss it. I have never been to America. Hopefully some day. Is it pretty much the same thing over there, or do you get the odd pang of longing? I don't know, little things - cricket, football, cockney wit, Coronation Street... No? I know I would miss Ireland dearly. Paul, County Cork.